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I’VE BEEN revelling in the fact my Peugeot 205 GTi is back on the road after Matt the Mechanic worked his magic last month – and I’ve been celebrating by actually using it.

The sight of me rolling around in an ’80s hot hatch has been met with mixed reactions, though. The wife thinks it’s pretty cool, whereas one friend flat-out refuses to get in ‘that old piece of four-letter word’. Interesting really, as I never thought a classic like this would divide opinion quite as much as it does.

With a few miles under its belt now, I’ve noticed J39 JMR is not without its niggles still. First there’s the squeaks – they’re definitely coming from under the seats, but by the time I park up I’ve completely forgotten they exist. It’s like there’s some sort of brain wipe that takes place when I open the door, instantly erasing anything that’s gone before it and meaning I forget to find some WD-40 every time I get out.

To be fair, that brain fade could be caused by the weird smell. MTM said it had been burning a ‘bit of oil’, and anyone who’s had the misfortune of following me down the road has confirmed that definitely is the case.

The smoking has gone but the smell certainly hasn’t. It seems to seep into the cabin at the lights or junctions, so is one to keep an eye on.

Or I could use it to wipe other people’s brains when I need it. A handy optional extra, I’m sure you’ll agree.

There’s also the case of the mis-fitting interior light assembly. For some reason, it just doesn’t fit properly in the housing and keeps dropping down in front of the rear-view mirror. I attempted a repair in the only way I know how – with some gaffer tape – but even that trusty solution failed.

The freakishly hot weather and the fact J39 JMR is black means it’s hotter than the sun inside, on a par with the inside of a Pop Tart on most occasions, thus rendering the gaffer tape a sticky mess of molten liquorice.

I’m sure I’ll find a solution for it eventually. Either that or the weather will get cold again (probably in August) and I’ll be able to use the gaffer tape once more. Until then, I’ll be continuing to drive and enjoy her – it’s about time the old girl got some abuse, sorry, I mean use.

I must remember to check the oil…

Model: Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9Owned by: James BaggottEngine: 1.9-litreBought for: £1,200Mileage: 130,870Money spent this month: £0 (Already owned the gaffer tape!)Highlight of the month: Enjoying driving the car after it received the attentions of Matt The Mechanic.